ALLOTMENT holders have transformed a derelict plot of land into a community garden.

The dream to make South Church Lane Allotments more accessible to the public has been nurtured by its members, who have worked hard to secure grants to pay for the community garden.

Trevor Hogg, chairman of the South Church Lane Allotment Association, said that the group was waiting for funding to turn the area into a sensory garden.

Members are also looking to build a cottage garden and wetlands area.

He said: "Two years ago we formed a new committee and new officials took over. The gardens were getting into such a state that we felt something needed to be done.

"We really wanted to do something for the community so that the elderly and disabled could still enjoy gardening.''

Members rose to the challenge of bringing the gardens up to standard thanks to a £32,000 grant from Groundwork West Durham and help from S and D Training to make improvements to the water supply and access.

Mr Hogg said: "Groundwork has given us a lot of support and we couldn't have done this without their support.

"Our treasurer, Jim Blenkin, has really been the backbone for all this and has worked hard. He designed the community garden.

"Unfortunately, he is in hospital at the moment recovering from a heart attack and we all wish him the best."

The community garden was completed with a £5,000 grant from the Durham County Community Chest Fund, which paid for all the furniture, including benches and a summerhouse.

Mr Hogg said: "We have transformed this garden using 95 per cent recycled material.

"All the trestles, picnic tables, benches and the summerhouse were supplied by a local company called Evershed and it was recycled plastic. We donated the plants and did the work ourselves.''

To celebrate the completion of the garden the association is holding an open day on Sunday, August 17.

There will be a host of activities happening on the day and The Northern Echo's columnist Mike Amos will open the garden.